Best Thermostat for Steam Heat
If you have steam heating in your home, then you know how challenging it is to find a thermostat that works with the system. Many thermostats are unable to learn your daily schedule, so they cost you a lot in bills. However, there have emerged some significant options both wireless and non-wireless that you can incorporate in your home. Some of the best thermostats are Wi-Fi devices, so they are even easier to use. If you are looking for some great options, here is a guide for you with everything you need to know about the best thermostat for steam heat.
Best Thermostats for Steam Heat to Buy in 2020
| Name | Voice Control | WiFi | Programmable | Check it Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nest (T3007ES) Learning Thermostat | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Honeywell RTH6450D1009/E1 RTH6450D1009 | No | No | Yes | |
| Honeywell RTH8500D | No | No | Yes | |
| Emerson Sensi Touch | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat for Smart Home | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Nest (T3007ES) Learning Thermostat
Nest Company has some of the best thermostats in the market for modern homes. Not only are they accurate in regulating the temperature in your home but they are programmable as well. This is one of their best models that work well with a steam heat system.
It has energy-saving features since it learns your schedule so that it can regulate the temperature around that. One of the best aspects of thermostats for steam is that it works with Alexa even though it is not inbuilt. It is an easy to install device thanks to the details manual as well as helpful instructions on the smartphone app.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of attractive colors for every home.
- Works well with other Nest devices in your home.
- It adjusts your home temperature according to your schedule.
- Has a farsight feature that allows you to read from across the room.
Cons
- It takes time to learn your schedule.
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat with Built-In Alexa
If you are not a fan of Nest, then don’t worry since this Ecobee4 is just as good if not better. It is an energy saving thermostat with room sensors that help in learning when you need the temperature up or down. Because of this, it is best to place it in the most significant rooms where you can expect it to save you up to 23% annually.
It is also compatible with Alexa which is inbuilt, so you don’t have to buy it. Installation is a breeze and should take you a couple of minute following the instructions. It is also easy to read and adjust the thermostat to your liking through the smartphone app wherever you are.
Pros
- Comes with one room sensor but you can buy more for maximum benefits.
- Keeps track of your consumption and how much you save each month.
- It has reminders for updates and if there are any issues.
- Room sensors help in increasing savings.
Cons
- The additional sensors are quite expensive.
Honeywell RTH6450D1009/E1 RTH6450D1009 5-1-1-Day Programmable Thermostat
If you are not ready to spend over $200 on a steam boiler thermostat but need an equally capable device, then you should have a look at this Honeywell one. It is a simple device with a backlit display and easy to navigate buttons.
It has 5-1-1 programming which allows you to set different temperatures for weekdays and weekends. That allows you to save money as well as achieve the perfect temperature in your home. Although it is not a fancy thermostat, it works well and is equally easy to install alone.
Pros
- Easy to use and straightforward thermostat.
- It works for both heating and cooling with easy to use buttons for that.
- It is affordable.
- It is easy to program; hence it saves you tons of cash.
Cons
- May cause short cycling.
Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat
It sucks when there is a power outage, and you have to reprogram your thermostat. Well, this no longer has to be the case since this simple device has excellent memory storage. It stores your settings so even when the power goes off your settings remain.
You can also program it differently for seven days, so it is excellent if you don’t have a specific schedule. It also has smart response technology that learns, over time, how long it takes to reach the optimal temperature. It adjusts the temperature correctly hence saving you money for bills.
Pros
- Large touch screen display.
- It has a precise temperature control with +/- one degree.
- It has four programmable periods for each day.
- Installing following the instructions on the manual is easy.
Cons
- You may have to adjust the cool setting manually once at optimum temperature.
Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat with Touchscreen Color Display
If you are wondering what is the best thermostat for a boiler? This is an excellent device for your smart home without being too complicated to understand. It works with Alexa, so that makes it easier to change the settings or monitor it.
It has seven-day programming; hence if you have a flexible schedule, it is perfect for you. The system also quickly learns how long it takes to reach optimal temperature, so it saves you up to 23% on power bills annually.
Pros
- Large colored display.
- Easy to control and change settings from a smart mobile device.
- Easy and fast to install without help.
- Works with most assistants.
Cons
- The display is quite bright.
Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY Version
If you like the Emerson Sensi brand, but you need something simpler, then this will work for you. It gives you great value for money since it is programmable with flexible scheduling. The controls are quite simple but it also works with most assistants, and you can also program it from your smart device.
Pros
- Quick 30-minute installation.
- Works with Wi-Fi and most assistants.
- Saves up to 23% in HVAC related bills yearly.
Cons
- Doesn’t work smoothly with Alexa.
Things to Consider When Choosing thermostat for steam heat
Not every Wi-Fi thermostat for steam heat will work for your steam heating system. You need to be careful about what you buy since it could cost you heavily in terms of steep HVAC bills. So if you are looking for a new or replacement thermostat for your system, here are some things that you should consider:
The setup
Many thermostats are quite simple to install even without basic electrical knowledge. However, there are some that are quite complex that requires you to get help. It may seem like a minor issue, but that could bring your entire buying and installation cost quite high.
Manual or Programmable
Many people are turning to programmable thermostats since they are efficient and hassle-free. However, some of them don’t work as well as they are supposed to, but they instead cost you. If you spend a lot of time in the house, you should consider getting a manual thermostat. This is because with such a device you should know what to expect and how much you consume or save lies within your hands.
Compatibility
One more important thing to check on is the compatibility of the thermostat with your boiler. You should look for thermostats with at least 2H/2C which work with all oil, gas, and electricity as sources of fuel.
You need to have an excellent understanding of your steam heat system before buying a steam heat programmable thermostat. That will go a long way in helping you choose the best one that you can install and get moving. Consider other aspects such as energy-saving as well as your schedule and you should have a good idea of what you need.